Public Policy Network

In June of last year, 20 candidates took the stage for the first Democratic presidential primary debate. Questions addressed familiar topics, including heath care, foreign policy and the economy. Though experienced candidates knew many unexpected issues would arise before Election Day, it’s safe to say that no candidate anticipated a pandemic which would impact every aspect of daily life.

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Labor Day is traditionally when America starts paying attention to the November elections and undecided voters begin making their decisions. Although it’s hard to imagine that swing voters haven’t been impacted by the 24-hour coverage of the presidential candidates, it’s likely the historical pattern of decisions being solidified in the final weeks will still occur. This year, those decisions will be made while demonstrations for racial justice and the impacts from COVID-19 continue.

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Notebooks, pencils and friendly ghosts have hit the shelves as stores across America begin to display back-to-school merchandise and Halloween decorations. The collective groans that summer just started is the time-honored response, but retailers have good reason for trying to be the first to attract consumers.

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America's love of roller coasters dates back to June 1884 when the country’s first roller coaster opened in Coney Island, New York. Inventor LaMarcus Thompson was inspired by the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway in Eastern Pennsylvania, which carried coal downhill. The railway attracted so much interest that rides were eventually offered to the public.

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There's talk of a "new normal" in news articles, business plans and school emails. Everything has changed, from buying groceries to celebrating birthdays online, and many believe these changes will become permanent.

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These days, Pittsburghers and those that loved Mr. Fred Rogers can't help by think of his famous words to look for the helpers as the news continues to carry stories of tragedy, crowded hospitals, supply shortages, job losses and the resulting economic impact on so many.

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